Two Day Workshop

TWO DAY INTENSIFUL SESSION

FOR RESEARCH AND POST GRADUATE STUDENTS

A series of interactive sessions were organized by the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IEDC) in association with the Institution Innovation Council (IIC), IPR Cell, Research Forum, and IQAC at UC College, focusing on innovation, research methodology, and intellectual property rights in academic settings. These sessions, conducted on October 25-26, 2024, in T.B. Ninan Hall, provided postgraduate students and research scholars with crucial insights into various aspects of academic growth, with emphasis on project-to-product development, innovation, and IPR.

Session 1: “Research Database, Metrics, and Publication Ethics”

In this session, Dr. Nibu A George, Assistant Professor of Physics at Baselius College, addressed essential topics such as research databases, metrics, and ethical practices in publication. By guiding students on how to navigate research databases and interpret metrics accurately, Dr. George equipped attendees with skills critical for academic credibility. He emphasized ethical practices in publication, underscoring the importance of originality and proper citation, which resonated strongly with those pursuing research-based careers.

Session 2: “The Challenge – The Opportunity – The Triumph”

Conducted by Mr. Muhamed P Hashim, Founder and Chief Coach of NŪR Skills, this session focused on the entrepreneurial journey from challenge identification to opportunity creation and triumph. Mr. Hashim underscored the importance of resilience, adaptability, and creativity, encouraging students to perceive challenges as stepping stones toward innovation. His insights on seizing opportunities within academic and research contexts motivated participants to think beyond conventional boundaries and actively engage in projects that could lead to impactful startups.

Session 3: “Pathways of Research Methodology: Approaches in Social Sciences, Humanities, and Literature”

Dr. Sebastian Joseph, Head of the Environmental History & Anthropocene Studies Division at the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES), presented a comprehensive overview of research methodologies in social sciences, humanities, and literature. He illustrated various approaches, encouraging students to adopt interdisciplinary and critical methods in their research. The session reinforced the value of sound research practices, inspiring attendees to use research methodology as a tool to build stronger, socially relevant academic work, and to explore ways of adapting their findings into potential products or innovations.

Session 4: “Innovation and IPR in Higher Education Institutions”

Led by Dr. G. Geethika, Assistant Professor of Political Science, this session emphasized the role of intellectual property rights in higher education institutions. Dr. Geethika detailed how innovation and IPR awareness empower students to transition academic projects into real-world products, explaining different types of patents and the importance of securing intellectual property for competitive advantage. Her insights into the patenting process illuminated the potential benefits of product development and company formation, encouraging students to view their research through a lens of entrepreneurial opportunity.

Impact on Student Learning and Academic Careers

The combination of these sessions had a profound impact on the learning and academic careers of postgraduate students and research scholars, inspiring them to leverage their academic projects and research findings in innovative ways. Many students expressed heightened interest in converting their ideas into prototypes and market-ready products. They sought further guidance on company registration, funding options, and the patenting process, recognizing the value of intellectual property in protecting and advancing their innovations. The interactive discussions provided a platform for students to bring forth ideas, ask questions, and gain clarity on converting research into tangible products, bolstering their entrepreneurial mindset.

Future Recommendations

The enthusiastic response from students emphasized a growing demand for continuous support in product development and entrepreneurial mentorship. Many students requested more such sessions throughout their academic journey at UC College, along with access to a team of mentors and prototype development funds to aid their project-to-product transitions. These sessions have laid a foundation, but a structured support system could further empower students, encouraging them to explore entrepreneurship and launch products based on their academic work, ultimately fostering a culture of innovation and enterprise at UC College.